Program Goals

PROGRAM GOAL 1

Provide resources to support students in adapting to and managing the rigors inherent to PA education.

Benchmark: Score of 4 (consistently meets expectations) or 5 (consistently exceeds expectations) on Student Evaluation of Program and Student Exit Survey items pertaining to Goal.

Rationale: In recognition that every student may not proceed from semester to semester with a class cohort as scheduled. Illness, life events, and academic challenges may occur; therefore, the PA Program seeks to keep students on track to complete the program.

Outcome: 90% of the Class of 2019 cohort, 100% of the Class of 2020, 98% of the Class of 2021, and 94.5 % of the Class of 2022 cohorts scored the program curriculum and resources provided to the students as a 4 or 5 on Student Evaluation of Program and Student Exit Survey items pertaining to the Goal.

The program meets or exceeds the benchmark for all cohorts.

PROGRAM GOAL 2

Provide a curriculum and experience promoting competence of the clinical and technical skills of an entry-level Physician Assistant

Benchmark: Student successful completion of end-of-program summative course with a score of 80% or higher; and A PANCE first-time taker pass rate of greater than or equal to 90% . Aspirational goal ≥ national average pass rate (first attempt). Realizing that up to 10% of graduates may need more than one attempt to pass.

Rationale: We continuously seek to improve our curriculum to prepare students with the requisite knowledge and skills to pass the PANCE and enter clinical practice

Outcome*: 100% of the Class of 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 cohorts scored 80 % or higher on the end-of-program summative course. The Class of 2019 first-time PANCE pass rate was 83%. The Class of 2020 first-time PANCE pass rate was 86%. The Class of 2021 first-time PANCE pass rate was 89%. The Class of 2022 PANCE data is still being analyzed, but currently at 87% first-time pass rate.

*The first part of the outcome goal meets or exceeds the benchmark set for the summative course completion. The second part of the outcome related to the PANCE pass rates has fallen short of reaching the first-time test taker pass rate goal for the program at 90% or greater. The program recognizes that up to 10% of the graduates may need more than one attempt to pass the PANCE. All classes (with exception of CO2022- currently completing) did achieve 100% PANCE pass rate for all test-takers in the end.

PROGRAM GOAL 3

Foster a collaborative approach to work effectively in interdisciplinary patient-centered health care teams

Benchmark: Evaluation score of 4 or 5 by 90% or more of students on all Preceptor Evaluation of SCPE items pertaining to team-based care by 90% or greater number of cohort students.

Rationale: The PA profession and healthcare is centered in team-based care.

Outcome: Data collected from the Preceptor of Evaluation of the Student’s Clinical Performance evaluations for the Class of 2019, Class of 2020, Class of 2021, and Class of 2022 evidence 100% of students obtained scores of 4 (consistently meets expectations) or 5 (consistently exceeds expectations) on exhibiting proficiency in team-based care.

The program meets or exceeds the benchmark in all cohorts.

PROGRAM GOAL 4

Encourage and support student professional and civic activities promoting the PA profession

Benchmark: > 50% of students will hold membership, volunteer, and serve in professional or civic activities.

Rationale: The program recognizes the importance of service in the communities, healthcare, and the PA profession. This service is part of the mission and vision for the institution and the program.

Outcome: For Class of 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022 80% or greater of students participated in service projects with one or more of the following organizations: MLK Day of Service, MLFC; Food Pantry; Project Crossroads; RAM Smyth County; No Child Left Unfed; Cancer Center - Marion. Each class also attained 100% participation in at least 1 interprofessional activity while in the program. The program also encourages membership and participation in state and national organizations for the PA profession. For Class of 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022 each class had 100% membership in both VAPA and AAPA organizations. Each class also has had a student representative for both VAPA and AAPA student academy who attend(ed) meetings and conferences promoting the PA profession.